Fire Protection of M&E Services Enclosures

ADVANTAGES

Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Services Enclosure

Mechanical and electrical (M&E) services require fire protection is require to maintain function of certain essential electrical and/or mechanical systems and services, and also to prevent fire, smoke and toxic fume propagation from one building compartment to another.

It is necessary to ensure the continued function of essential electrical systems and services is maintained during fire, for a specified period of time, until all the building occupants have escaped. Electrical systems that need protection from fire may include:

Electrically operated fire alarms

Emergency escape route lighting

Electrically operated extinguishing systems

Smoke extraction venting systems

Power supply for fire service elevators in high-rise buildings

Water mains supply and pumps servicing sprinkler systems

Essential life support and/or computer, communication or information technology networks

In the event of an internal or external fire performance, it has been established that an enclosure fabricated from fire resistant boards is one of the best solutions. Such systems have been tested successfully with encasement constructed from fire protective boards such as PROMATECT®-H, PROMATECT®-L, PROMATECT®-L500, PROMATECT® 50 or PROMATECT®-S. These well established board systems are representative of the few systems which currently fulfil all performance requirements, especially to the DIN 4102 standards.

A suitably designed duct will:

Prevent the propagation of fire from one building compartment to another

Assist in maintaining smoke free escape routes

Ensure the continuing operation of other services within a common service shaft

Reduce damage to a localised area

Contain smoke and toxic fumes from burning cables

Where required, ensure cable maintain their function when exposed to a fully developed fire

The following are some of the factors to consider when determining the correct specification to ensure the enclosure system provides the required fire performance. Please consult Promat.